Teachers

Jean Costa - Founder

Jean has been studying yoga for over 30 years. She is a certified Kripalu yoga instructor Yoga was one of the healing modalities Jean used during and after her breast cancer treatment. She discovered it both empowered and nurtured her mind, body and spirit. She is the founder of the Pink Ribbon Yoga Retreat. She is a former teacher, has a Masters in Social Work, and is a second degree Reiki master. She is a writer and workshop leader on the topic of creating positive affirmations.

TJ Martin

TJ is a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500 hour level, a certified Integrative Yoga Therapist, and a Third Degree Reiki Master Practitioner. She has also completed Relax and Renew Restorative Yoga training with Judith Lasater, and is certified in YogaRhythmics / DansKinetics. TJ leads group classes and offers individual sessions in the Triangle area with a style that is gentle and supportive. She is a founding member of the Pink Ribbon Yoga Retreat.

Nancy Hannah

Nancy has been practicing yoga for over 30 years. She is E-RYT 200 hour certified through the N.C. School of Yoga. Further certifications include: Advanced Studies in Yoga instruction from The Asheville Yoga Center, and Yoga Warriors - a program addressing PTSD and COSR trauma issues in returning military personnel and their families. Nancy teaches several weekly Stress Management / Wellness Yoga Classes for N.C. State University, and a weekly class for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on the Dix Campus. She also teaches a variety of private and group sessions in the Raleigh are. The Duke Sponsored Pink Ribbon Seaside Yoga Retreats continue to inspire and highlight her yoga journey.

Leila Goodwin

Chronic neck issues led me to try yoga in 2002, and after my very first class I was hooked. I had never felt so energized and relaxed at the same time. I continued my yoga studies in various classes and on my own with videos, trying different styles out until I experienced the Scaravelli style of yoga at Red Elephant Yoga in Fuquay-Varina. I love this style that emphasizes going one step at a time and focuses on finding what works, feels good, and is comfortable in MY body.

In 2007, after 5 years of yoga asana practice and participation in a yoga study group, I used all the things I’d learned from my yoga practice – deep breathing, relaxation, strength, and flexibility (physical and mental!)– to deal with my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. That experience fueled my interest in becoming a yoga teacher and I completed the 2-year Red Elephant School of Yoga Teacher Training Program in 2011, led by Charlotte Ranz based on the Scaravelli style as developed by Esther Myers.

I enjoy teaching people who have never tried yoga before, as well as working with yogis and yoginis who want to move deeper in their practice. After experiencing first-hand the many benefits of yoga, I find it a great joy serve as a guide for students to find their own “aha!” moment as they learn from their bodies.

~There is more wisdom in your body than in your deepest philosophy.~

– Friedrich Nietzsche

Irene Talton

Yoga off the mat is a creative activity that is led by Irene, an artist and teacher!